She flies out on Thursday morning, all by herself. Thankfully there's just one stopover, and she'll be met by friends at Heathrow 30 hours after she leaves Australia.

She's all packed, and checking her list to make sure she hasn't forgotten anything. A last minute request at 9pm last night was for me to make her a pouch for her passport, so I did what any good mother pumped up on coffee and blueberry danish would do. I rummaged through every fat quarter in my sewing room until I found 'THE one' I liked best!

Cute, huh? :-)

While she is off enjoying the Derby countryside for two weeks I'll have full custody of Bob-the-dog, so today I decided to spoil him with a good grooming. How about some before and after shots?

BEFORE...

And (drum roll please) ta da!! AFTER...

Princess Sophie didn't recognise him when we got home from the dog salon, and her back arched from across the room!

I had to carry her over and have them both do the sniff thing for a few minutes. It wasn't long before she realised it was her little pal Bob (she is bigger than him) and they posed together for a beautiful pic with Bloss.

Oh Jenny I do understand when your children go away for a bit how hard it is but I have no idea about another country. If you were closer I would come and keep you very busy stitching and laughing. Keep busy and before you know it she will be home. Prayers for both of you.

Jenny - my sympathies - it will be hard but at least its only 2 weeks and she is meeting friends - my 20 yo (will be 21 when she does it) wants to go to the USA by herself - to a summer camp and then travelling - am I worried??? YES.

Jenny, how hard it must be to let Blossom go alone on her first long trip. I'm sure she will be safe and have a lovely time. You are going to miss her as the 2 of you are so close. When my daughter went to London a couple of years ago, I worried the whole time and she was fine. I'm sure that you are already preparing a special homecoming for her.

Prayers that God holds her safely in the palm of His hands till he brings her back to you. Hope Blossom has a wonderful time and even though it's tough, it is always good to see our kids get to experience something new. When my son left both times for Afghanistan, I had to just say a big prayer in the beginning to get it all out there, and then God and I had daily followups on the subject. All was good! Hugs to you!

I hope she has a really nice trip! As a mom who has sent children off three times already (Italy and London on two separate trips for Marina; Italy and Greece on one trip for Chase) I can tell you it helps to keep your mind busy during their flight time. I was a bundle of nerves. I told Sierra that when it comes to her turn to travel, she will simply have to take me with her. ;o)

I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers for a safe trip. Would she like to stop in NY on her way back?

I know what your going through. When my first daughter was in her first year of college they offered a semester in France. She went about 6 weeks late with another college group do to emergency surgery to remove a tumor from her belly. That was a blessing in disguise as the first group spent their time being drunk and the group she did go with she made friends that she kept in touch with until the day she died. For me though my ' hurt little baby' was away from me for 3 whole months that included her and her sister's birthday. She came home happy, safe, and a little wiser. Ill pray Blossom comes home the same way.

Bob-the-dog, you're very handsome. Jenny, what a good mother you are to find just the fabric and sew it the night before. Father, keep Blossom in your tender loving care and bring her home safely to her family. In Jesus name.

Jenny, Our son is now 40, and I still remember the trepidation we felt as he hopped on a bus at Karuah and took off to Cairns, the same afternoon he finished his HSC 23 years ago. His dad and I thought we would never see him again, because things in general had not been too good between us all then. Low and behold next morning he phoned from Brisbane and various places along the way to say he had made it.

Next year he had his first overseas trip to Hawaii to seen the sun eclipse, and after many trips overseas he still keeps in touch regularly. Now thankfully thru emails. I have placed him into the Lord's hand each time and he has returned safely to us. He is heading off to S Africa on Saturday for 6 weeks and will again place in God's loving arms. Even at 40, I still worry!!

Hi Jenny, Blossom will LOVE derbyshire. Pity she's not coming to Devon, I would love to have met her.First time is always the hardest, but at least she'll be home in a few weeks. My daughter stayed with you in Australia 6years ago. Thats very hard!I always say, you give your children 2 things....1 is wings so they can go and fly and find out about life for themselves.2 is roots so they always know who they are and where they come from.Safe journey to our little Island Blossom!! enjoy your experienceLove Gill x

It's always nice to receive feedback on a blog post, so *thank you* for taking time to comment!I will try to reply via email unless you are a 'no reply blogger' which means you'll have to check for my reply in the comments. Of course, life is a rather hazardous activity, isn't it? So if I don't respond to your comment that's the reason why - life simply stepped in...hugsJennyx